Pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution 27/23, the Special Rapporteur presented his first thematic report on right to information to the thirtieth session of the Human Rights Council.

Summary

In this report, the Special Rapporteur clarifies the scope and content of the right to information throughout the life cycle of hazardous substances and wastes and identifies several challenges that have emerged in realizing this right, as well as potential solutions to these problems. He discusses several obligations of States and the responsibilities of business in relation to implementing the right to information on hazardous substances and wastes.

Methodology

As part of his consultation process, the Special Rapporteur invited States, intergovernmental organizations, national and international non-governmental organizations, national human rights institutions, United Nations agencies and entities, academia and all other interested stakeholders to contribute their views and perspectives in writing through a questionnaire.

The Special Rapporteur received 48 responses, and is grateful for all the contributions. Find links to all inputs received below.

Side event, related documents and statements

On 18 September, 2015, the Geneva Environment Network and the Special Rapporteur organized a side event in the margins of the 30th session of the Human Rights Council on the right to information on hazardous substance and waste.

Statement – 30th session of the Human Rights Council

Press release

Video (Part I and Part II) of the interactive dialogue at the 30^th session of the Human Rights Council